Moldova assumes that Russia has plans to invade the country’s territory.

Alexandru Musteata, Head of the Information and Security Service of the Republic of Moldova, voiced this in an interview with TVR Moldova.

According to him, the implementation of Russian plans depends on the development of events in Ukraine.

“The question is not whether the Russian Federation will attempt a new offensive on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, but rather when it will happen: either at the beginning of the year – January, February, or later, in March or April,” Musteata said.

According to the Moldovan special service, Russia will try to establish a land corridor to unrecognized Transnistria.

“From the information we have, the Russian Federation intends to go further, to create a connection with the Transnistrian region, which is the territory of the Republic of Moldova, and then we can clearly say that yes, they intend to get here, to connect.

We can discuss what will happen next, their intentions regarding Chisinau, but it is a real and very high risk,” Alexandru Musteata said.

The Head of the Information and Security Service of the Republic of Moldova added that the largest ammunition depot in Europe is located in the village of Kolbasna in the territory of self-proclaimed Transnistria. It is guarded by the Russian military.

According to one of the hypotheses, says Musteata, Russia would want to use these ammunitions in a possible military confrontation in the region.

Previously, Anatolie Nosatîi, Moldova’s Minister of Defense, stated that Moldova’s defense spending will increase by 650 million lei ($141 mln), or approximately 68.2%, in 2023.

The funds will be used to purchase air defense systems.

The Minister noted that the regular defense budget should be 1-2% of GDP, even in countries such as Moldova.